The Constitution expressly delegated to the states the power to regulate interstate commerce.
Group of answer choices
True
False
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is False.
The Constitution does not expressly delegate the power to regulate interstate commerce to the states. In fact, the Constitution grants this power exclusively to the federal government. This is outlined in Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the authority to regulate commerce among the states. This clause is known as the Commerce Clause. It states that Congress has the power “To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes.”
The purpose of the Commerce Clause was to create a unified and consistent approach to trade and commerce across state lines. Before the Constitution, under the Articles of Confederation, individual states had their own rules and regulations regarding interstate commerce. This led to conflicts, trade barriers, and economic inefficiencies. The framers of the Constitution sought to eliminate these issues by centralizing the power to regulate commerce at the federal level.
Over time, the interpretation of the Commerce Clause has expanded. The U.S. Supreme Court has interpreted the clause to allow the federal government to regulate not only the actual movement of goods and services across state lines but also activities that have an impact on interstate commerce, even if they occur within a single state. This interpretation has allowed for broader federal regulation, including areas like civil rights, environmental laws, and labor relations.
While states retain powers not expressly granted to the federal government (reserved powers), they do not have the constitutional authority to regulate interstate commerce. This power remains within the domain of the federal government to ensure uniformity and prevent economic fragmentation across the nation.